Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: Narrative, Analysis, Recommendations

Shorenstein APARC Working Paper

80 Pages Posted: 29 Jul 2012 Last revised: 29 Apr 2013

See all articles by Kenji E. Kushida

Kenji E. Kushida

Stanford University Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center

Date Written: December 15, 2012

Abstract

This report provides one of the first coherent, readable narratives of the Fukushima nuclear disaster — what happened in the first few days. It is based on new sources available in Japanese and National Diet testimonies, and is an objective overview of events as they unfolded, rather than an ideologically positioned effort of advocacy. The report goes on to analyze the institutional and governance aspects of Japan’s nuclear oversight, highlighting the fundamental problems that surfaced during the disaster that stem from deeper structural issues. The report also draws upon expertise from a conference held at Stanford University in February 2012 to analyze the politics and industry structure of Japan’s electric power sector, making concrete recommendations for reorganizing the power industry and government oversight structure.

Keywords: Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan, readable narrative, energy industry restructuring

Suggested Citation

Kushida, Kenji E., Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: Narrative, Analysis, Recommendations (December 15, 2012). Shorenstein APARC Working Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2118876 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2118876

Kenji E. Kushida (Contact Author)

Stanford University Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center ( email )

Stanford, CA 94305
United States

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